All professionals should be aware of what sepsis is
Symptoms for children under five; ( these symptoms are taken from NHS website)
- looks mottled, bluish or pale
- is very lethargic or difficult to wake
- feels abnormally cold to touch
- is breathing very fast
- has a rash that does not fade when you press it
- has a fit or convulsion
Also if children have a;
- temperature over 38C in babies under three months
- temperature over 39C in babies aged three to six months
- any high temperature in a child who cannot be encouraged to show interest in anything
- low temperature (below 36C – check three times in a 10-minute period)
According to The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), anyone who is seen to be displaying the above signs should be seen by a doctor and given the necessary treatment. As symptoms can rapidly develop into sepsis getting treatment immediately can aid the patient’s recovery quicker.
NICE’s 2016 Sepsis guidelines will help all professionals recognise signs and symptoms; this includes taking temperatures, checking people’s heart rates, looking for rashes and skin discolouration.
If sepsis is caught early antibiotics are given and most patients make a full recovery. If the case is more serious admission to hospital is required to undergo other forms of treatment, some patients are admitted to intensive care.
In November 2015 we saw the launch of the national sepsis awareness campaign, this was designed by the UK Sepsis Trust. It was launched in partnership with NHS England to help educate all professionals of what sepsis is.
A Film was made featuring a mother and campaigner Melissa Mead. In December 2014 Melissa Mead lost her son William to sepsis, he was only 12 months old.
Melissa Mead, campaign supporter and UK Sepsis Trust ambassador helped launch National Sepsis awareness campaign in memory of her son William.
Understanding Sepsis, septicaemia and blood poisoning
Many people may know that sepsis is known as either blood poisoning or septicaemia, this is when bacteria gets into the bloodstream, however, is can also be caused by viral or fungal infections.
If you suspect anyone with sepsis act immediately as it could be saving a child’s life.